How JustAnswer Works:

Experts are full of valuable knowledge and are ready to help with any question. Credentials confirmed by a Fortune 500 verification firm.

Get a Professional Answer

Via email, text message, or notification as you wait on our site.Ask follow up questions if you need to.

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

Rate the answer you receive.

Ask William Ellis, CPA Your Own Question

William Ellis, CPA, CPA

Category: Tax

Satisfied Customers: 296

Experience: Over 15 years of experience in public accounting

50200401

Type Your Tax Question Here...

William Ellis, CPA is online now

I received a pre-assessment notice from the California Franchise

Resolved Question:

I received a "pre-assessment" notice from the California Franchise office.They claim that I didn't pay my state taxes for the 2008 year, and they have assessed that I owe $289, as well as roughly $100 in interest/late fees.I know that I filed my federal for that year, and I'm fairly certain I filed my state as well, but I don't have a copy of the return anywhere to send to them.What is the procedure as far as next steps? Are they going to keep coming after me for $289? I don't see why I should have to pay anything, as I'm fairly certain it's a mistake on their end, however, I'd rather not go to jail over it , or have my wages garnished.Thanks for any advice you may have.

If you filed your returns electronically, you probably did file your state return. Obviously, the Franchise Board has a copy or transcript of your federal return but cannot locate a state return that matches it. If you had withholdings from your wages, you probably just need to file the return. I'd send them a copy of the state return again. They may have taken a page from the IRS and figured your tax at the highest rate while disregarding any deductions you'll claim. If you don't file, you will eventually be subject to garnishments or liens. If you owe, the longer you wait the greater your penalties and interest will be. Hope this helps, Bill

Excellent information, very quick reply. The experts really take the time to address your questions, it is well worth the fee, for the peace of mind they can provide you with. OrvilleHesperia, California

Ask a Tax Professional

Get a Professional Answer. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed.

128 Tax Professionals are Online Now

Type Your Tax Question Here...

characters left:

Disclaimer: Information in questions, answers, and other posts on this site ("Posts") comes from individual users, not JustAnswer; JustAnswer is not responsible for Posts. Posts are for general information, are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (medical, legal, veterinary, financial, etc.), or to establish a professional-client relationship. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty or representations by JustAnswer regarding the qualifications of Experts. To see what credentials have been verified by a third-party service, please click on the "Verified" symbol in some Experts' profiles. JustAnswer is not intended or designed for EMERGENCY questions which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals.